PD Looking to Box Clever

Paul Dickov has told his squad that they must be prepared regardless ahead of a hectic month.

His troops will play seven games in just 21 days as the battle for the League One play-off spots intensifies.

“The bench on Saturday and the subs that came on wanted to make an impact and everyone wants to back each other,” the Scot said.

“I’ve got no problems with players coming to see me but what I will say is don’t come and see me all guns blazing but without any bullets to back up your argument. I’ll be as honest as I can with them.

“It’s a big month for a lot of teams because the league is that tight.”

Dickov was brutally honest and hinted that now is not the time for niceties, putting some of the squad members through their paces to get them fighting fit.

“The lads who’ve been playing a lot of games have rested up. The lads who haven’t have been in the gym, on the bikes, doing some boxing to mix it up so we can train later in the week,” he said.

“We had a long chat at the end of last week about it and what I don’t want now is if people aren’t involved then them spitting their dummy out. It’s not about the team that goes out there, but the squad now.

“I believe it’s as strong a squad as I’ve had in terms of seniors and young kids pushing them and it only bodes well because everyone’s on their toes, knowing they’ve got to keep on their toes.”

While Dickov cited that a “convincing” 3-0 defeat to earlier in the season was a motivating factor for a change in fortunes, he said that the Saddlers accomplishment at reaching March’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final against Bristol City would not affect proceedings tomorrow.

“It’s six weeks away, I don’t think that will have any bearing at all,” he stated.

“They’ve done fantastically well and they need to be congratulated on that and – no disrespect to Walsall – but for them to get to Wembley is great and Dean [Smith] has done magnificently well to do that.”